Hi my name is Kristie and I'm writing from New Orleans, LA. My husband and I have 3 dogs that we love like children. We are the founders of an organization called Save-An-Angel; our mission is to help dogs with cancer receive life-saving treatments. We aren't technically a rescue, but we are trying to help out wherever we can.

The shelters in our area have been overflowing since the oil spill - the majority of the tenants are owner surrenders. Louisiana doesn't allow pit-bull adoptions, so most are euthanized unless a rescue pulls them out. We recently started fostering pit-bulls to try and save these amazing dogs.

We are interested in learning more about the breed and how to make their transitions easier. We'd like to know more about the basics too like training, pack behavior, aggression and anything else that will help us communicate better with our dogs. We were referred to PBT by a dear Facebook friend. This forum has brought us into contact with so many wonderful people, and we are grateful finally be a part of it

It is a shame NO is facing another pit bull (and general pet) crisis so soon after Katrina. We spent a weekend after Katrina doing volunteer work at Lamar Dixon/Ascenion Parrish Shelter, it was so heartbreaking.

You have come to a great place to learn the characteristics of the breed. I've learned so much in the time I've been here, and this group is the reason our adoptee, Duke, is alive and thriving. They gave us the tips and support we needed to get past a crisis that well could have been his end. A year later, he still needs some work, but he has come such a long, long way. A little love, and patience with these wonderful animals goes a long way.